REDLANDS >> Local artists are bringing Orange Street Alley’s brick walls to life with pops of color.

James McClung is among those collaborating with business owners to create works using various mediums, from street art to stenciling.

McClung’s latest piece lines an area of the alley where Cheesewalla, a highly anticipated eatery, is expected to open its doors later this month. Using various shapes and colors, the idea for the mural was to be big, bold and stand out, McClung said.

“The shapes were inspired by Bangladesh patterns and shapes,” he said. “Some guys like (Cheesewalla co-founder) Kadir (Fakir), for instance, like to go big and want to make a huge stamp on the town. He said he really wanted it to be on the large scale so ‘people know I’m here.’ It’s his mark on the town to let people know ‘we’re here now.’ ”

The Orange Street Alley opened in July 2015, when the city dedicated the space as a public park that officials hoped would contribute to the arts in Redlands.

Businesses and artists have been encouraged by the city to think of the alley as their canvas, the results of which can be seen in McClung’s work.

McClung previously worked with Fakir to create a T-shirt design, he said, and the two became friends. He said he has similar relationships with a la Minute and Augie’s Coffee Roasters.

“I feel fortunate to do this because it’s awesome to work with friends,” McClung said. “It’s all about good community and somehow added to our friendship, something that’s still growing.”

McClung has another project in the alley, but the plans are still being finalized.

City officials are hoping for more.

“I think it’s fantastic that business owners are putting up murals on the back of their businesses,” said Councilmember Jon Harrison. “There were a few kinks that had to be worked out in the process and now we’re seeing a lot of activity there, one of many things we are in the process of doing to make downtown Redlands a fun place to visit.”

Mayor Paul Foster agreed.

“We always thought the alley was going to be a big hit in the city over time, and that’s exactly what it is turning out to be,” he said. “It’s a focal point of entertainment in downtown as more and more food establishments get a lease from us to use the alley for something special. The murals are just one more facet to the community’s commitment to the arts.”